Stomach Flu: Proven Methods to Avoid the Virus

Update, 11/28/17: The are over 350 comments on this post that answer more questions about this method for staying free of the stomach flu, and also offers a solution for emetophobia (fear of throwing up). The comments section also includes helpful testimonials from readers who are successfully using this method to avoid stomach flu.

I do my best to activate ninja action moves when it comes to staying healthy and germ-free. I eat right, diligently research, self-educate, gather healthy intel, apply what works, and share it with you all. But the stomach flu seems to be a whole ‘nother beast — a higher power of sickness that attacks anyone in its path… or does it?

I didn’t know it was possible to avoid the stomach bug. I thought we were all hopeless and at the mercy of a vomit-fest whenever it felt the whim to grip us. When Greedy Baby started barfing last week, I thought, “How can I avoid catching this? Is there a way, if at all possible, that I can fight back to protect the rest of my family from getting sick?”

It seemed like a lost cause, but after a half-day’s worth of research, what I learned successfully prevented the rest of my family from getting the stomach bug: The key is to keep your body in an alkaline state. There are particular tools to do this.

The stomach flu does NOT like alkaline. The virus thrives in an acidic environment. If you’ve already got the bug you’ll just have deal, but if you’ve been exposed and not yet showing symptoms, you need to get your body into an alkaline state immediately.

WHAT IS ALKALINE VS. ACIDIC? In a nutshell, alkaline foods enable the body’s cell to take in more oxygen, whereas acidic foods do a bang-up job of depriving cells of oxygen, leading to sickness and disease. The key is to keep the body in the proper pH state. This key article provides a thorough explanation of why alkaline is so important, and includes a helpful reference link to alkaline and acidic foods.

When you maintain alkaline as a way of living, you decrease your chances of not only getting the bug, but you also become a heavy-hitter in successfully fighting back against diseases like cancer.

Let’s touch on what to do immediately if you’re at risk for stomach bug. Although nothing in life is guaranteed, these methods are tried and proven by tons of people.

STOMACH FLU PREVENTION

Welch’s 100% Grape Juice: This kept coming up in my internet research — mostly in forums and on parenting websites where moms shared how this particular juice was effective at boosting their family’s resistance against the bug. I had an aha moment when I read this. Why? Because I drank 100% grape juice daily to combat extreme nausea when I was pregnant with Greedy Baby. This may give credence to the idea that keeping your body in an alkaline state also helps to combat morning sickness. >> How to Prevent Stomach Virus: Grape Juice is the Trick

Apple Cider Vinegar: THIS is so important! While I didn’t have Welch’s on hand when Greedy Baby got sick, I did have Apple Cider Vinegar. The Bragg’s Organic Vinegar Apple Cider is pretty much the most respected brand around, but use whatever you have on hand in a pinch. I gave the vinegar to my family: 2 teaspoons diluted in water for adults; 1 teaspoon diluted in water for the kids. Squeezes of fresh lemon juice in the water as well. It will be extremely bitter, but just do it. Not only does this vinegar promote the proper pH, it also helps control weight and removes toxins. You could also add the ACV to grape juice instead for an extra powerful gut-punch to any potential stomach bugs.

Probiotics: This helps to put your digestive system into proper balance. There is sooo much info out on there probiotics to prevent stomach flu, so do your Google-ing, sit back and enjoy the educational reading saga. Look into Garden of Life probiotics. Their product line is well-reviewed by consumers. For kids, I give my children the Buddy Bear Chewable Probiotic. They 100% love the stuff (despite a few consumer reviewers who claim it’s nasty). Be sure to keep the product refrigerated.

I’m loving the way natural health alternatives release the choke hold of “no-mercy” and put the power of health back in our hands. We are not at the mercy of Big Pharma in every situation of sickness, nor are we sentenced to an automatic barf-fest just because we’re exposed to the stomach flu. Nature provides what we need to stay well. I encourage you to do your own research and decide what best for you and you family.

DOSAGES I ADMINISTER TO MY FAMILY

During school months: 1/2 cup grape juice + 1 capful of Bragg’s ACV. We take this on an empty stomach first thing in the morning before breakfast.

During summer months: 1/2 cup grape juice, several times per week any time of day.

If we hear of someone around us who has been sick, I increase the above “school months” dosage to 2x per day until the threat has passed.

NOTE: As an adult I drink GTS Kombucha as my probiotic. My kids like it, too, but it’s expensive so they only drink this as an occasional treat. I also sip on water in a ball jar mug with a large splash of ACV daily.

To protect your teeth’s enamel, use a straw when drinking anything containing ACV or lemon juice.

STOMACH FLU UPDATE: HAVE WE CAUGHT IT?

Since writing this post, my children have been in direct contact with several people who had a vomit/diarrhea-fest (including a classroom teacher!). The protocols mentioned in this post have successfully prevented my family from catching the stomach flu. Very happy to report this.

FAQs from commenters:

“Will it still be effective if I dilute the juice?” Yes. This is no different than drinking the juice and then drinking a glass of water.

What about white grape juice? Will it have the same effect? I cannot say with confidence that it is equally effective. All of the research and testimonials point to the purple grape juice, not the white.

Isn’t all that sugar in the juice bad for you? It’s 100% grape juice with no added sugar. The dosage is only 1/2 cup — not even a full serving, and has not shown to affect my family adversely. However, use your own judgement on how much to give your children.

Speak Your Mind!

Just curious, you say that maintaining an alkaline environment in your body is optimal to avoid illness, but you then advise drinking apple cider vinegar with lemon juice, both of which are very acidic. How does this “promote the proper pH”?

Hi Jess. I will honestly tell you that I don’t know all of the science behind it, but what I do know is that the ACV creates environment within your digestive tract that the virus does not like and cannot thrive in. As far as pH. I have a few vegan friends whose diets are obviously more alkaline that the average person due to the foods that they eat, and they have shared that they do not get the stomach flu.

I’m a pretty extreme emetophobe and go through this every year! I caught it mother’s day last year and now it’s going around again! I’m terrified of a repeat of last year…is this still working for you guys!?

Hi Ashley. Yes, this is still working. My entire family is going on over 3 years strong without getting the stomach bug. Try not to worry. If you choose to, just take the acv and grape juice to get some peace about it. xoxo

Hi Joey. This is a good question. I need to try them for awhile to test out their effective compared to Bragg’s ACV. But I can say with confidence that the Bragg’s liquid brand is the most trusted out of any acv, no matter what form it’s in.

Loved reading this post! My husband, children and I recently made the change to a [mostly] vegan diet and in my abundant research during this process I have found that while yes ACV, lemon juice as well, are acidic by PH, when reacting with stomach acids they produce alkalinity. It’s been 7 months since we have been mostly vegan [mostly because my husband and I were both raised on soul food and we agree life is too short to obtain from cravings completely and that the most important thing is balance and moderation and instilling healthy habits in our children], no one has fully gotten sick!! My middle and youngest child [3 & 1] began to catch a little cold after going to the Children’s museum, but all signs were gone within 12 hours.
I just think society is ready for a shift back to the diet of our ancestors and with the right knowledge we will all be able to change the daily habits western culture has brought upon us.

Hi Gale,
My diet is 95% plant based and I have a stomach bug today. I read the article above because I was looking for a natural way to treat it. It is a horrible thing. You think you’re delusional with it too! I can’t explain why I have this today. I did buy a falafel wrap from a cafe to take out yesterday. I may have caught something from that, who knows. I’m in the UK by the way. I thought my 95% of plant based diet would aid me in anything like this. I don’t eat meat, dairy, fish. Emily x

So glad I found this website. I have anxiety with a TERRIBLE fear of throwing up. I have started the acv in juice as well hoping to prevent from getting it! I read that lots of people are taking probiotics. Is there any in particular that comes in a pill form? There are so many to choose from that it is so overwhelming! I also have a 3 yr old that I’d like to give probiotics to as well. So, any recommendations for myself and my child?

Hi Amy. Within my article I mention Buddy Bear chewable probiotics for kids. There is also a link for that in the article. For adults, Garden of Life, as well as Renew Life Ultimate Flora are two brands that are reputable. Check them out on Amazon.

Right now I am in the boat I’m afraid to be in! My 3 year old is sick. Every day I’ve drank acv with 100% juice with at least one spoon of acv or sometimes two. After I got home with my sick child I made another cup. My nerves are on high alert that I’m going to catch the stomach bug….help I’m so nervous I’m going to get it….

Oh my gosh! I’m not the only one! I HATE throwing up and my anxiety and germaphobe tendencies sky rocket when someone in the house throws up! Thanks for the ideas! The alkaline diet makes sense to me, as a physicist by trade.

Hi! I also have a HUGE phobia and its been in full force this season due to an outbreak of the bug in our state. (MA) I haven’t been in direct contact, but does anyone know how much juice you should drink a day to keep the bug away? or if my heatburn is bothering me, can I take my Prilosec without taking the good acid away? Thanks for the help!

Hi Sara. Within my blog post are details on how much we take daily for maintenance: it’s 1/2 cup per day on an empty stomach in the morning. However, take it whatever time of day your feel is best for you. The most important thing is to be taking it daily with no missed days. I suspect the juice and Priolsec will be okay together but please see how it goes for you and adjust things as necessary.

Hello! I have been taking ACV anytime someone in my family gets sick. The only way I can tolerate it is mixed into hot water with honey. Does using hot water reduce the effectiveness ( I saw another poster said to only use luke warm water).

Hi Eva. I personally add 3 teaspoons to 16 ounces of water and drink it first thing in the morning. But I had to work up to this amount. I started with 1 teaspoon. My suggestion is for you to start with whatever measurement you feel they will take in water, and then increase it if you feel they can take or want more. I hope your daughter is feeling better!

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this info!!! I shared a can of tea with my sister last Wednesday night, and three hours later, she had the worst stomach virus of her life. I immediately searched for possible ways to try to prevent it, and found your page. My mom came down with it Thurs morning, too. I’ve done the grape juice acv cocktail twice a day since Thursday, and by the grace of God, I’ve been great! I would rather have strep throat than throw up just one time. God bless you for sharing your knowledge, especially for natural remedies. Some people keep it to themselves and let people suffer. You’re a blessing!

Hi Amy. Sorry your mom and sister got sick, but I happy to hear things worked out for you. I couldn’t imaging keeping this info to myself. I’m really happy that the info has been a help to so many people. God bless you as well!

Hi Laura. My recommendation is to at least do it daily during flu season. Me and my family have such peace of mind knowing that we don’t have to scramble to get some ACV & grape juice in us in a hurry if we’ve been exposed. When are exposed, we actually up our intake to 2x day. During summer we do slack off a bit but then get 100% consistent again starting in September.

Hello,
I’ve been drinking ACV for 10years now. I drink its daily from October until May.. Host Defense has also been a big component to healthy living. It’s a mushroom based antioxidant. Research has proved that fungus is closely related to the human body and therefore ask is a great antioxidant and immunity Booster!
Keep up healthy living! I’m happy to see other people are finding this stuff out. It’s been in my family for generations… that’s prob why my great grandmother just passed away at 97 and my grandmother is still traveling and going out dancing at 85.
Cheers!

I’ve been drinking ACV on occasion for other reasons, but now that the bug has hit our house, I’m back at it! I have found that if I mix the ACV with warm water, and add cinnamon and honey, it tastes much like hot apple cider..not quite as yummy though. The cinnamon and honey also supposedly have antibacterial benefits. Fingers crossed it works for me and my husband!

So just this week my work has had the worst stomach bug going around and I started taking activated charcoal a lot through out the day and then today my son woke up throwing up. I drank 2 cups of grape juice plus the activated charcoal. Has anyone had luck with grape juice and the activated charcoal. I have never tried the ACV before. Do you think I could use that with the other things as well.

YES! I swear by activated charcoal. Carry it in my purse with me and have another bottle at home. At least 2-3x now, I have taken activated charcoal at the onset of stomach symptoms and with norovirus going around my family and avoided throwing up entirely (though my stomach bothered me mildly and I got the “flu” part, like the aches and fatigue). One time my daughter was sick with norovirus and had the full illness, and then my son had the onset of symptoms (nausea/cramps) and he took charcoal and all of his symptoms disappeared within a few hours, and he too never threw up! Activated charcoal is a MIRACLE WORKER in my opinion. We also take it preventatively when the stomach bug is going around and have had great success! The only thing – is it works best when taken IMMEDIATELY at the onset (or preventatively) of symptoms and you need to take a lot more than the bottle says – for an adult, we take 6 pills at a time and for my 9 year old daughter, we have her take 3. My son is older so he takes the adult dosage.

Everyone has been sick this last week with the stomach flu. Thankfully, I came across this article and immediately ran to the grocery store for all these items. I am in college and have an exam on Monday so I am motivated not to get sick. Hoping this regimen works for me!

I take APC capsules daily. Do you think this is affective for this as well? So far 3 people in my office have come down with a stomach bug since last Wednesday. I’m trying to dodge the bullet! I have been taking the ACV for a couple of months now. I’m planning to get some grape juice tomorrow.

I have been battling this fear since I can remember. It has gotten 100X worse since having children! I’m so glad I found this site last year. We have a terrible out break in our area and the only thing keeping me sane is the grape juice and ACV.
We drink it daily, but are more cautious during peak seasons and maybe drink a bit more.
So this has worked for your family 100%? As long as you take the preventatives? Just looking for a little bit of extra peace of mind.

Same! I have had this phobia forever and now that I have kids it has become so much more intense because I can’t avoid them! Now that school has started and I am already hearing of people coming down with the bug my anxiety becomes overwhelming. Have you found any other preventative methods that work for you and your family?

I found this site a year or so ago and since have adopted the grape juice daily routine for me and my two boys (5&7) I also take a daily probiotic and when ever exsposed I start with the activated charcoal capsules. This past November my husband got a nasty bug & I upped my grape juice and took the AC around the clock on top of bleaching, wearing gloves & face mask when having to help him. Safe to say no one else came down with it. My kids drink the grape juice EVERYDAY! My oldest son is the only one in school and During flu season I buy Zylast broad spectrum antiseptic (supposed to kill norovirus) I also buy the Lysol with the red cap/white base and go crazy with daily wipe downs and sprays. Also we avoid going to major public places in flu season. (If you can’t tell I suffer from emetophobia ) anyway… I’m in full panic mode right now. So my oldest started to vomit Friday night(early Saturday) not too too much all in all twice within four hours. I geared up mask/gloves/bleach did wash isolated him to one room and I immediately started taking the activated charcoal and I also made my husband take it & put it in my younger sons grape juice the following day. The reason I’m so so upset is because I thought I thoroughly covered all bases and don’t understand how prior this method always works but here I have a sick child. Well days go by. I continued my consumption of grape juice and activated charcoal for myself and for my youngest and what do you know? This morning my little one got sick twice now within the four hours. I’m so upset! Panicking because I’m nauseous myself. Don’t really want to eat. Barely have been sleeping since Friday night. I’ve done so much wash, used so much bleach. Even though this bug is semi mild the idea of coming down with it myself has me over the edge! I don’t know what I’m doing wrong !!! Prior to this grape juice and my precautions have kept us clear !

Im so sorry ! I know exactly how you feel, I too have this phobia and people just don’t get it. Today I got the dreaded phone call from the school nurse that my youngest had thrown up at school. I have started the drinking of the grape juice! I don’t have any apple cider vina gar (liquid ) but have it in pill form. Do you know if the pills work ?

Had your oldest been taking grape juice daily?
This worries me! My kids drink it every day. Along with ACV in their juice. I know I’ve read that it can severely lesson the symptoms. So maybe it was just a really strong bug.
Hope you end being ok!!
I understand your fear 100%!

Hi Amanda. My kids drink it Monday thru Friday during stomach virus season. In the warmer months they drink only it casually, but during fall, winter and early spring they get it religiously 5x per week –sometimes twice per day if they’ve been around an infected person.

Hi Mandi. Having my kids take it in morning just fits my schedule with the kids. Doing it this way has been 100% effective since we started this over 4 years ago. But definitely do it on the schedule that suits your needs. So long as it’s being taken everyday, that is the most important part!

I would just like to thank this website. I have learned so much about ACV and 100% Grape juice. I made sure to pass the information to my daughter. Her 2 youngest got the stomach bug bad. It almost took me down till I read this wonderful information. I’ve just started drinking Braggs AVC with water and lemon juice 2 days ago and am feeling the effects right away. So thank you.

Glad I’m not the only one with this phobia!!! Everyone thinks I’m nuts!!! My son got the virus on May 10. 9 days ago. My daughter got it on the 12th. I haven’t slept in days and bleach everything all day long. Waiting to hit the 2 week mark so I can finally relax n go visit family with them!! I don’t want to infect anyone else. I haven’t done grape juice but wondering if anyone had luck w chia seeds??? I heard that. An protect you as welll.

This website has helped me feel a little better. The tummy bug is running its way through my boys school. First Thursday night now the next one hit Tuesday night. I have been sipping ACV A LOT! Oh I hope it helps keep me safe!

My granddaughter will be 3 in November, for the first time she had a terrible stomach virus that hit Wednesday night, her father got it on Sunday and now mom has it again. My granddaughter threw up one last time this morning at 4 am. I have a separate household but have a severe phobia of vomiting. I have not gotten sick since I was 13 years old and I am now 48. I drink pickle juice all the time and now with take the ACV daily. I drink it straight, is that bad? Thanks again.

Hi. Yesterday when i was at an indoor childrens play area i was underneath a climbing area only to feel a warm splash over my face head and neck. I was absolutely mortified to realise some of a childs vomit had splashed onto me. I too have an extreme fear of these horrible bugs. I am also on holiday with the family in a caravan. I washed and used alcohol gel straight away and then showered once home. Ive been drinking lemon juice and ACV since but its on my mind constantly. I keep thinking i feel sick but then it goes away. I hope that perhaps this child has just been running and jumping about after eating and this is the cause but you just cant tell. This is going to ruin the last 4 days of my holiday now. Its been 24 hours since it happened. Does anyone know how long these things usually take to show themselves 😔

Hi Mel. How did things work out for you. Taking it in a rush might not work, but there have been a few who commented that their stomach symptoms were at least lessened by taking it in a hurry. My best advise is to take the juice/acv daily. I do hope you didn’t catch it.

Hi Henriette. Lemon juice is alkalizing in the body so it may work. Perhaps you could do the lemon juice but still take acv in very small amounts until you build up a tolerance. That is how we worked up to being able to take it daily.

Weird question, but does the grape juice have to be purple, or does white grape juice have the same benefits? Let’s say it doesn’t work: White grape juice would be a lot easier on the bedding and carpet!

Also, can the grape juice be diluted with water and have the same benefit?

Hi Anne. Yes, the grape juice can be diluted. My 3yo granddaughter actually gets it this way since she’s not to keen about grape juice. As for the white grape juice, I don’t know for certain if it’s equally effective, and can’t say I can full confidence enough to try it. My 8yo daughter spilled her grape juice on my beautiful white comforter just the other day. No longer will my kids be drinking it in bed. Ugh!

Just wanted to throw in a quick comment of something that has helped our family. While it seems like a given, having my three kids wash their hands immediately after school has made a difference for us. Most days the kids come running in from the bus, throw their bags on the ground, and run over to raid the pantry for snacks…all eaten by hand. It seems obvious now but I guess I just didn’t put a priority on it in all the hustle and business of the afternoon. Thanks so much for this post. I have a huge fear of the stomach bug and vomiting and cant wait to try your techniques!

Hi Elizabeth. I agree with you on the hand washing. My kids also do this after school, and I do it when I come in from work, shopping, etc. We also have hand sanitizer in the car, but use actual hand washing as the priority whenever we can. Thank you so much for bringing up this important point!

Hi M. We do take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. However, in times when we’ve been exposed to a viral person and therefore need need to take a 2nd dose, we do that asap, no matter what time of day it is.

Stocking up on the recommended items as we speak – a friend’s little boy just came down with the flu and I do not want it in my house this year! I ordered the bear probiotics for my 4- and 2-year-old girls, but wondering the age kids can start drinking ACV? I have a 9-month-old boy that I’d love to make sure he doesn’t catch anything either. I do have a children’s probiotic capsule I could open and put in with his food to disguise it…any other recommendations? Thank you!

Hi Jennifer. Since it’s best that the ACV mixture be taken through a straw, it depends on when your child would be able to use a straw while sipping it behind his teeth. This is important to protect the teeth’s enamel. My kids have been using the straw for several years now, and there has been no harm to their enamel (verified by dental check ups). The grape juice alone will still work well until your son is able to use a straw in this manner.

I appreciate the response! He hasn’t quite grasped the straw idea yet, but I’ve been using an oral medicine syringe so that it’s going behind his teeth. I also brush his two little teeth after giving it to him just to be safe. My daycare lady’s oldest came home from school with the flu yesterday and she was feeling a bit nauseous herself. I told her about the ACV, probiotics, and grape juice. I think she only had probiotics and ACV on hand, so she’s been using those, diluting the ACV in water. Her chills are gone today; she’s just achy but has not vomited. We’ve upped our dosage to.twice daily as you mentioned above. We go on vacation next week and while it’s been a short-lived bug for those who’ve had it, I’d prefer to avoid it 🙂

I wanted to recommend 2 hand sanatizers that help with norovirus. The first one is called Zylast. You can get it on Amazon. The second one is hand sanitizer by BioProtect. Both work great. It helps to have these in your car, or purse. Especially when you cant get to a sink to wash your hands.

Also, I do pretty much everything you do for your family on a daily basis. I want to start adding the ACV. What do you recommend is a good dosage for my 3.5 year old? And do I mix it with the grape juice? Or just give it alone?

Hi Tricia. I mix the acv into the juice. My granddaughter is also 3.5 years old. She doesn’t take the acv right now, only the grape juice watered down in a cup. Another reader mentioned they are using an oral syringe to quickly dose the grape juice acv blend to their toddler (behind the teeth, then brush right away), which is a great idea. Thank you for sharing your hand sanitizer recommendations!

A very good and yummy way to get ACV (and ginger root!) down is a drink called “Good Girl moonshine”. Google it! I steep a tea bag of Celestial Seasonings fruit tea (my favorite is Country Peach Passion) in a little water, then add 2 TBS ACV, the ginger root, sweetener (stevia) and then fill my quart jar the rest of the way with water. Even my 13 month old loves this and begs for it. There is a nasty stomach bug going around right now and every Tuesday there is a fresh wave of it (from being exposed on Sunday). Then yesterday afternoon I had a friend and her 4 children over for tea, and last night they started throwing up. So hoping this works for me as I’m breastfeeding a 2 month old and can’t afford to get it and have my milk supply go down!

Hello! I’ve been using this method for about 1 year now and its worked so far. However, I am now pregnant. Do you know if this is safe during pregnancy? I know most doctors suggest not to consume anything unpasteurized.

I too have total stomach bug anxiety and will do anything to prevent it. I will be starting weight loss hypnosis next week and for the next few months I have to avoid anything sweet in my mouth which throws my grape juice out the window. I have started taking a probiotic and after this article began with the ACV but was wondering if the ACV and probiotic and an elderberry pill would be good enough at protecting me this winter. I have started having lots of anxiety about this as I will be starting this next week. Any thoughts or recommendations for me? Thanks a million

I also want to know what we can replace this with when we are pregnant? I’m trying for a baby and have read you shouldn’t have unpasturised ACV. I’ve been having this for over a year now and am worried to have to stop!! I work with kids and don’t want to get sick!

Hi Hayley. There are pasteurized versions on the shelf as well, but I can’t speak on the effectiveness compared to Bragg’s ACV. You can still take the Welch’s 100% Grape Juice daily to avoid the flu bug.

Ok I’m terrified of throwing up lol. I’m going ti go today and buy all of this because this morning during class both my son and daughter were sitting next to a kiddo who ended up spending the whole class in the bathroom barfing !!!
My question… I’m so afraid of throwing up I’m worried the activated charcoal will make me feel nauseous hahaha…. does it ??? Lol thank you so much !!!

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Hi! I'm Josie. This is where I share my passions for healthy living, natural health, fitness, and happiness. My goal is for you to be empowered and informed by what you read and learn here. I'm 44 years old and I love Jesus. I've been married to my husband for 13 years. I have 4 children (ages 24, 21, 12 and 8), and I'm also a grandmother to a sweet 2-year old little girl. I've lost over 40 pounds during my weight loss journey. I encourage you to stay empowered. Always keep your head up and stay strong! Meet Josie